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ArtPrize Quilt Production Proves To Be Hair-Raising Experience
This is the ArtPrize quilt I’ve been working on. I’ve been hand stitching every day for the last several days, working late into the night to turn the 127 hexagon flowers made of fabric from donated neckties into something beautiful and agonizing over whether or not this is even possible.
I had some help getting those blooms stitched (Thank you!) and now I’m in the solo phase of the project and trying to stay sane. I’m mumbling to myself a lot and drinking ridiculous amounts of Pepsi. I love the challenge before me but realize every time I look in the mirror that this adventure comes at a very high price. I snapped the photo about a week ago after I heard my 4-year-old daughter poke her 6-year-old sister and whisper in one of those loud kid whispers: “Look at mom.”
I know, I told you this was pretty serious. (To my credit I was fixing the kids breakfast and had yet to look in a mirror.)
I guess this means I’m earning my stripes as an artist. I’m not implying that all serious artists have bad hair. I’m just saying that I have a new appreciation for the struggle that sometimes goes into the creation of art. I have completely lost myself in this project and have suffered from hand cramps, nausea, sleep deprivation and chronic mood swings. (Ex: “I love this project. I hate this project, but, no, I really do love it.”)
But things are starting to look up.
In an effort to find suitable backing fabric I spent hours wandering around local fabric stores carrying five large appliques made of neckties and getting some very mixed reviews. (Note: I got the most encouragement from fellow customers at an independent shop in town, the people at the big box store regarded me as if I had just escaped from the mental ward. And no, my hair did not look like it did in the photo above.)
Anyway, I’m happy to report that I have committed to some wild background colors: gold, turquoise and hot pink. (No joke.) And I’m finally to the part where I can rev up my machine. At last!
This project has overwhelmed me and inspired me at the same time. It’s caused a continuous streak of bad hair days and consumed so much of my time and thinking that I’m not sure what I’ll do when I stitch the last bit of binding on and release it to the world for public scrutiny. I’m not sure where this quilt will end up, how much money it will raise for the local women’s shelter I’m donating it to, or how I’ll feel about all of this when I’m done.
But even in my fatigued state, I appreciate that this project is so much bigger than me and therefore forcing me to commit to my design and be fearless about every stitch that goes into it as I race to the finish line. There simply isn’t time to freak out.
I really wanted to run the Grand Rapids Marathon this fall, but this quilt has become my marathon. I’m really tired and I have the equivalent of about 8 miles left to go. Will I make it? You better believe it. : )
I just have to remember to comb my hair before the opening.
Posted: August 27th, 2010 under Art quilts, ArtPrize, Quilting, Sewing.
Comments: 15
Comments
Comment from Lona
Time: August 27, 2010, 10:35 pm
You go, girl! You can do this.
Comment from jennifer
Time: August 27, 2010, 10:54 pm
Thanks, Lona!
Comment from Kari H.
Time: August 28, 2010, 3:31 am
Love the picture. I wake up with insane hair every morning-at least you have a good excuse. Hang in there!
Comment from Julie
Time: August 28, 2010, 6:32 am
I love that you posted that picture. It definitely portrays a sense of desperation, fatigue and humor as well. I chuckled out loud at the thought of your daughters pointing and whispering. I hope your creative flow continues and you see this beast through to the end. Marathon’s aren’t pretty, either, especially with eight miles left to go. If (when?) you hit the wall, keep your eyes on the finish line. You should be so proud of yourself! Mantra: Eyes on the Prize, eyes on the ArtPrize.
Comment from Bonney
Time: August 28, 2010, 7:11 am
I love that picture too!! Was it hard to work with the neckties?
Comment from Denise Bedard
Time: August 28, 2010, 10:07 am
You can do it Jen! You always put your heart and soul in everything you do ,that is why it always turns out beautiful. Love You! Keep up the great work!
Comment from Beth Ann Williams
Time: August 28, 2010, 1:45 pm
Keep on keeping on, Jennifer! It was and is a great concept well worth all the agonizing effort you are putting into it. The small photo of the quilt is a great teaser for showing the rich colors and wonderful textures playing off one another. No worries about the hair – most of us know firsthand how vanity goes out the window when creative mania is upon us. hugs to you :)
Comment from Susanne
Time: August 28, 2010, 3:16 pm
Jennifer – that picture makes us all feel that we are in this together. I’m sure there isn’t anyone who hasn’t been there. Thank you for your courage (to show the picture) and your dedication (to finish this huge project).
Comment from Diane
Time: August 28, 2010, 8:25 pm
It’s looking beautiful so far Jennifer!
Just keep thinking, “I think I can, I hope I can, I KNOW I CAN!!”
You’re our hero – the Little Crafter Who Could!
Kind regards,
Diane
Comment from Juanita
Time: August 28, 2010, 8:46 pm
I find you absolutely inspiring, Jennifer! I’ve been listening to your podcast and reading your blog for over a year now and I love that you posted this picture of yourself…and you share the humor in it. Your hexagons are great and the quilt is going to be wonderful! You can do this,Jennifer!
Comment from Shawna
Time: August 28, 2010, 9:54 pm
The quilt is coming along beautifully! It is going to be so great! You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from April Hunt
Time: August 29, 2010, 9:24 am
Love the pic! I have one of those myself, but I didn’t have the excuse of slaving over a big project like this. http://crazyladypantyhose.xanga.com/650569965/item/
You’re doing a great job! I love reading about your journey on this project. Keep up the good work. You can dooo it!! :)
Comment from Barb
Time: August 29, 2010, 8:06 pm
Keep it up Jen and you’ll be done before you know it. I’m sure you will find another project after that to keep you busy. Can’t wait to see pictures of the finished quilt.
Comment from jane
Time: August 30, 2010, 1:30 am
All true artists suffer for their art, don’t they? : O) The bad hair day(s) will be worth it once the quilt is done. But, wow, what a lotta work. Congrats for your tenacity and I love that the quilt will go a good cause. You can do this, I’m rooting for you. Go, Go, Go!!!
Comment from betsy
Time: August 30, 2010, 12:16 pm
How exciting to see your quilt develop. Looking forward to having you and your daugther(s) guest judge for us at Quilts on the Grand. Oct 1-3! You will be perhaps the only official quilter who is a guest judge :-) Does your clothing get more comfortable and less fashionable along with the hair? Then you know you have really made it as a quilter.
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